Thinking Big Works Well for Trucking Business

Transporting logs for Canterbury's largest forest owners while seeing the family business double in size overnight has meant a demanding start to 2008 for SML General Manager, Chris Murphy and his father, Director Steve Murphy. After being successful securing a three year contract to despatch and distribute logs for Rayonier, SML purchased McCarthy & Wilshier Transport Ltd, whose workforce moved from its Rangiora site to SML's base at Kaiapoi.  The business now has 49 staff, who help to manage the 40 truck fleet. HR issues, such as reviewing individual employment contracts for all staff, have been among the challenges with combining two cultures. To ensure the transition went ahead as smoothly as possible, Chris and Steve, who set up SML 25 years ago, have drawn on the expertise of Polson Higgs.

"This has been a significant growth period for our company and Phillip Roth (Polson Higgs Partner) has been very involved in helping us with the strategic planning as well as guiding us through the process and ensuring we are continuing to operate a well-oiled machine," Chris says. Phillip, who has become a director of SML, has also ensured that the Murphys have a viable succession plan in place to ensure that there is continuity, and to maintain confidence among staff and customers. As well, Polson Higgs regularly reviews the business's financial statements. Chris joined the business 17 years ago, after completing an apprenticeship in building and then having run his own building company.  He began at the bottom of the ladder at SML, as a self-loading truck driver and then moving towards despatch manager before taking on his current role as General Manager/Director. His background has prepared him well for the demands of an industry that he describes as "selfish" for those with families. "Our drivers start work at 4am and often don't get home till 6pm and they are whacked by then.  Many are getting up around 2.30am. But we can guarantee that they won't be away overnight or have to work weekends." While carting logs for Rayonier and P F Olsen, another major arm of the business is the bulk woodchip division for NZPP. SML also works alongside other log transport operators around the South Island so their territory extends from Richmond to Dunedin. The huge mileage means the truck fleet requires regular maintenance and SML operates a busy workshop on site.  Trucks are serviced every 5000km to ensure they can clock the required 120,000km on average each year. Chris says the forestry industry in Canterbury is operating at its peak now and will gradually decline in some areas over the next few years - however, he is confident that his business will not suffer the same fate.

<< Back to Client Stories

Last updated: 4th June 2009 | 9:29 am